Runway Cafe

- JFK PORT AUTHORITY, 14 S Service Rd BLDG 14, Jamaica, NY 11430

Introduction / Overview

For those working within or visiting the John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) community, J&P Runway Cafe offers a welcoming and flavorful culinary destination right in the heart of the Port Authority facilities. Located in Jamaica, Queens, this establishment is more than just a typical airport-adjacent eatery—it is a proud, local, minority- and woman-owned business (MWBE) venture that brings the authentic, vibrant tastes of the Caribbean and Mediterranean to the JFK workforce. The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey specifically partnered with J&P Runway Café, recognizing the experience and quality offered by its owners, Annette Runcie (owner of Pa Nash Restaurant) and Michael Duncan (owner of Jamaica Breeze Restaurant). This partnership underscores a commitment to integrating high-quality, diverse, and local businesses into the airport's operations, creating a unique and essential amenity for the people who keep the airport running.

The cafe operates out of Building 14 and is particularly popular for providing a high-quality, hearty food option with an international flair, specifically to the JFK workforce. It has quickly become known for its authentic Caribbean flavors. Customers frequently praise the delicious dishes made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients, which stand out in the bustling airport environment. It’s the perfect place to grab a quick bite of comforting food or settle in for a relaxed, casual meal with colleagues. The atmosphere is consistently described as casual, friendly, and inviting, making it a true local gem within the wider Port Authority complex.

The menu itself is expansive, thoughtfully combining American grill classics with deeply flavorful Caribbean specialties. This dual focus ensures that whether you're craving a traditional breakfast sandwich to start your day or a lunch packed with authentic island spices, Runway Cafe has you covered. The culinary team is dedicated to delivering comfort food, quick bites, and small plates throughout the day, catering to the varied schedules of the airport community.

Location and Accessibility

J&P Runway Cafe is conveniently situated within the John F. Kennedy International Airport Port Authority complex in the Queens borough of New York City. Its specific address is a key indicator of its primary audience and location:

Address: JFK PORT AUTHORITY, 14 S Service Rd BLDG 14, Jamaica, NY 11430, USA

Being located in Building 14, it is ideally positioned to serve the Port Authority and greater JFK employee community. Accessibility has been a core consideration for the facility, which is critical for a high-traffic professional environment. The location features on-site parking for convenience, and the establishment is fully wheelchair accessible, ensuring that everyone can easily visit the cafe. The atmosphere is deliberately kept casual, providing a break from the high-paced work environment of the airport.

The cafe’s location in Jamaica, Queens, connects it directly to the rich culinary and cultural tapestry of the borough. The owners are well-established restaurateurs in Southeast Queens, and their presence at JFK brings a genuine neighborhood flavor to the airport community, which is a major part of its appeal and success.

Services Offered

J&P Runway Cafe offers a variety of service options and dining choices to accommodate the busy schedules and needs of its patrons:

• Service Options: Dine-in, Takeout, Delivery, and No-contact delivery are all available.
• Dining Options: The cafe serves meals throughout the day, including Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, and Dessert.
• Payment Methods: Convenient payment is accepted via Credit cards, Debit cards, and NFC mobile payments.
• Catering to Families: The venue is considered good for kids.
• Menu Variety: Offerings include Coffee, Comfort food, Quick bites, and Small plates, catering to different dining needs.
• Hot Food Buffet: A popular feature is the hot food buffet, which often includes the renowned Caribbean-style dishes like oxtail, seafood, and goat.

Features / Highlights

The key features that make J&P Runway Cafe a standout choice in the JFK Port Authority community include its strong local roots, high-quality offerings, and accommodating service structure:

• Authentic Caribbean Cuisine: The cafe is widely celebrated for its menu that is full of authentic Caribbean flavors, including jerk chicken, plantains, rice and beans, and popular buffet items like curry chicken and stew chicken.
• Minority and Woman-Owned Business (MWBE): The venture, run by experienced Queens restaurateurs Annette Runcie and Michael Duncan, is a valued local MWBE partner of the Port Authority.
• Great Coffee: A specific highlight noted by customers is the quality of the coffee, perfect for airport employees and visitors needing a boost.
• Comprehensive Breakfast Menu: Serving classic American and uniquely Caribbean breakfast items, such as the Callaloo and Saltfish Burrito, porridge, and classic omelets and egg sandwiches.
• Catering to All Dayparts: The restaurant is popular for both Breakfast and Lunch, accommodating those starting or breaking their shift.
• Solo Dining Friendly: Its casual atmosphere and quick-bite offerings make it an excellent choice for solo dining.
• Prime Location for Airport Employees: Specifically created to serve the JFK workforce inside Building 14, offering a convenient and high-quality employee cafeteria option.

Contact Information

To get in touch with J&P Runway Cafe, you can use the following details:

Address: JFK PORT AUTHORITY, 14 S Service Rd BLDG 14, Jamaica, NY 11430, USA

Phone: (718) 244-0214

Mobile Phone: +1 718-244-0214

What is Worth Choosing

Choosing J&P Runway Cafe is choosing a blend of local Queens excellence, convenience, and vibrant flavor. While the menu offers a solid selection of American comfort classics—from burgers and fries to Philly Cheesesteaks and fresh salads—the undisputed highlights that make it a truly unique choice, particularly for a restaurant within an airport complex, are the authentic Caribbean offerings.

The hot food line and buffet are especially worth choosing. Customers consistently rave about the "delicious Caribbean food," and the ability to find staples like beef patties, oxtail, curry chicken, and stew chicken is a major draw. The incorporation of traditional Caribbean breakfast items, such as the Porridge Burrito and the Callaloo and Saltfish Burrito, provides a delightful and hearty alternative to standard fare. The commitment to a high-quality, international menu—a direct result of the owners' experience running successful local Queens restaurants—sets this cafe apart.

Beyond the food, the choice to patronize J&P Runway Cafe is a choice to support a local, minority- and woman-owned business that is an integral and highly valued part of the JFK community. The atmosphere is described as casual and the staff as great, contributing to an overall positive experience that turns a simple meal into a satisfying break. Whether you are an airport employee looking for your daily dose of authentic jerk chicken, or just seeking a reliable, high-quality, comfort-food spot with great coffee and a friendly vibe, J&P Runway Cafe offers a distinctly New York-local flavor experience at the heart of the Port Authority. The consistent praise for the quality of the Caribbean menu items, coupled with the convenient location and focus on customer service, makes J&P Runway Cafe a must-visit spot for anyone in the area.

Runway Cafe

JFK PORT AUTHORITY, 14 S Service Rd BLDG 14, Jamaica, NY 11430, USA